Friday Night Dinner is a multi-award-winning British sitcom created by Robert Popper that aired on Channel 4 from 2011 to 2020, following the eccentric weekly gatherings of the secular Jewish Goodman family. The series stars Tamsin Greig and the late Paul Ritter as parents Jackie and Martin, with Simon Bird and Tom Rosenthal playing their adult sons, Adam and Jonny. Set in suburban North London, each episode centers on the family’s Friday night “Shabbat” dinner, which is inevitably derailed by the sons’ childish pranks, Martin’s bizarre anti-social habits, and the uninvited intrusions of their peculiar neighbor, Jim Bell (played by Mark Heap). As of 2026, the series remains one of the UK’s most-streamed comedies, though it officially concluded following the tragic death of Paul Ritter in 2021. While no seventh series is in production, fans continue to celebrate its legacy through anniversary documentaries and high-definition re-releases on platforms like Netflix and ITVX.
The Core Cast and Characters
The magic of Friday Night Dinner lies in its tight-knit ensemble cast, whose chemistry perfectly captures the relatable friction of family life. Each character brings a specific brand of neurosis to the dinner table.
Martin Goodman (Paul Ritter): The partially deaf, often shirtless patriarch with a penchant for eating out-of-date food and shouting “S**t on it!” when things go wrong.
Jackie Goodman (Tamsin Greig): The “straight” character who desperately tries to maintain a veneer of normalcy and “MasterChef” quality dining amidst the chaos.
Adam and Jonny (Simon Bird & Tom Rosenthal): The “bambinos” who, despite being in their 20s, revert to adolescent pranking the moment they step through the front door.
Jim Bell (Mark Heap): The terrifyingly awkward neighbor who is obsessed with Jackie and terrified of his own dog, Wilson (and later, Milson).
Iconic Catchphrases and Tropes
The show’s longevity is partly due to its repetitive but effective “cringe comedy” tropes. From the opening theme tune “Animal” by Miike Snow to the inevitable “crimble crumble” dessert, the show rewards loyal viewers with familiar gags.
Martin’s exclamation of “Lovely bit of squirrel” originated from a misunderstanding in a Season 2 episode and became a national shorthand for a good meal. Other recurring elements include the “salt in the water” prank, Jim’s inability to use a doorbell correctly, and the appearance of “Horrible Grandma,” whose presence sends the family into a collective panic.
Filming Locations and the Goodman House
While the show is set in Mill Hill, North London, the iconic Goodman house is a real residence that has become a destination for fans of the show.
The house is located at 23 Parkside, Mill Hill, Barnet. During the show’s run, the property became so recognizable that its valuation surged, and the production team had to take special measures to ensure the privacy of the actual residents during the off-season. Most interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage that perfectly replicated the house’s ground floor, allowing for the frantic, high-speed physical comedy the show is known for.
The Legacy of Paul Ritter
The conclusion of the series was intrinsically tied to the loss of Paul Ritter, who passed away in April 2021. His performance as Martin is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedic turns in British TV history.
Ritter filmed the 10th-anniversary documentary, You Look Nice: The True Story of Friday Night Dinner, shortly before his passing. The documentary serves as a poignant tribute to his talent and the profound impact the show had on audiences, particularly during the 2020 lockdowns when Series 6 saw record-breaking viewership numbers.
Practical Information and Viewing in 2026
If you are looking to watch the series or learn more about its production today, here are the essential details.
Where to Watch: In the UK, all 37 episodes are available on Channel 4 (formerly All 4) and Netflix. International viewers can find it on BritBox or Hulu.
Age Rating: The series is generally rated 12 or 15 due to adult language and Martin’s frequently “saucy” behavior.
Documentary: Look for the 90-minute special 10 Years and a Lovely Bit of Squirrel for behind-the-scenes insights.
Total Seasons: There are 6 series in total, plus a Christmas special.
Official Merchandise: “Shalom” doormats and “S**t on it” aprons remain popular gift items through various online retailers.
2026 Update: Is There a Reunion?
As of early 2026, there are no plans for a Series 7 or a revival. Creator Robert Popper and the remaining cast have frequently stated that the show could not continue without the character of Martin. However, cast members Simon Bird and Tom Rosenthal often reunite for charity events and podcasts, where they continue to share “Goodman” anecdotes with the fanbase.
FAQs
Why did Friday Night Dinner end?
The show ended primarily due to the death of Paul Ritter (Martin), as the creators felt the family dynamic was incomplete without him.
Is the dog Wilson real?
Wilson was played by a Belgian Shepherd named Batley, who sadly passed away shortly after filming his final scenes in Series 5.
What does “Shalom” mean in the show?
While “Shalom” is a traditional Hebrew greeting, Jim uses it incorrectly as a constant, awkward catchphrase whenever he sees the family.
Is the family in Friday Night Dinner actually Jewish?
Yes, they are a secular Jewish family, and the show is based on Robert Popper’s own upbringing, though the religious aspects are usually secondary to the comedy.
What is “Crimble Crumble”?
It is Jackie’s signature apple and rhubarb crumble dessert, which the boys and Martin are obsessed with eating.
Who plays the neighbor Jim?
Jim is played by the legendary character actor Mark Heap, known for his roles in Spaced and Green Wing.
Where can I find the Friday Night Dinner house?
The external house is located in Mill Hill, London, though it is a private home and fans are asked to be respectful when visiting the area.
How many episodes of Friday Night Dinner are there?
There are 37 episodes across six series and one Christmas special.
What is the “Lovely bit of squirrel” joke?
It refers to a scene where Martin is eating what he thinks is squirrel meat, and the phrase became an instant catchphrase for the show’s fans.
Was there an American version of Friday Night Dinner?
A US pilot was filmed titled Friday Night Supper starring Allison Janney and Tony Shalhoub, but it was never picked up for a full series.
Who is “Auntie Val”?
Val is Jackie’s best friend, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, known for her identical hair to Jackie and her disastrous love life.
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